Now Accepting Submissions

This year’s Student Note Competition invites submissions on the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., a case that dramatically curtailed the federal courts’ ability to grant broad injunctive relief. In a 6–3 ruling, the Court held that universal (or nationwide) injunctions exceed the equitable authority conferred by the Judiciary Act of 1789, requiring relief to be tailored only to the plaintiffs before the court. By narrowing one of the judiciary’s most powerful checks on executive and administrative overreach, the decision leaves fundamental questions unresolved for litigants, courts, and the rule of law.

Submissions might explore whether alternatives—such as class actions, associational standing, state-led suits, or APA vacatur—can ever truly substitute for universal injunctions, or whether they leave systemic harms unremedied. Authors may also examine how “complete relief” should be defined in nationwide policy disputes (such as immigration, environmental regulation, or voting rights), the dangers of fragmented rulings across jurisdictions, and the role of states in attempting to fill the gaps left by federal limitations. Strong entries will also consider whether Congress or future courts should revisit the equitable powers of the judiciary to restore broader authority, and what practical strategies litigants can deploy in the meantime.

Submissions should go beyond summarizing Trump v. CASA by offering creative, doctrinally grounded proposals for how litigants can adapt to this new landscape while making the case for preserving broad, effective remedies against government overreach. Authors should grapple with the larger stakes for separation of powers, federalism, and access to justice. This competition provides an opportunity for students not only to analyze a watershed Supreme Court decision, but also to shape the future conversation about the tools available to check the administrative state.

Is There a Prize?

Yes! The winning submission will earn a $10,000 prize, shared equally between the student author and the journal that selected it for publication. If NCLA receives a sufficient number of qualified entries, second- and third-place prizes of $5,000 and $2,500 will also be awarded, divided equally between the author and the publishing journal.

Who Is Eligible?

NCLA will accept only notes, comments, or articles written by a J.D. or LL.M. candidate at an accredited U.S. law school and selected for publication (but not yet published as of June 1, 2025) by a law review or similar journal at an accredited law school. Actual publication of the piece will be required to receive prize funds.

What Is a Student Note?

While requirements vary by journal, student notes are generally 15,000 words or fewer and provide original, in-depth legal or policy analysis. For purposes of this competition, the term “note” includes student comments or articles chosen for law journal publication.

How Do I Enter?

The submission deadline is May 1, 2026. NCLA will accept all notes/comments approved for publication by that date, with a publication date fixed at the time of approval. Ideally, publication will occur before December 31, 2026, though we understand journal schedules can vary. To enter, simply fill out the form to the right and submit the required materials.